Perhaps the Nationals' best trait this young season has been their ability to avoid any kind of lengthy slumps. They've still yet to lose three games in a row.

They've also managed to lose only three series so far (two against the Phillies, plus last weekend's set in Florida).

So tonight's finale against the Braves could be seen as a bit of a big game in that regard. A win would give the Nats another series victory and get them back to two games over .500. A loss would give them a second straight series loss and four losses in their last five games.

"Olsen, however, has nothing to show for his efforts."au contraire, mon frereI don't remember the last time at Nats pitcher got a standing ovation after a near-perfect game. Maybe Olsen doesn't get the win, but his efforts – slowly but surely – have contributed to the growing legion of baseball fans in Washington.

Mark: We who were at the game or those who were listening to it knew he was working on a no-no; for those who didn't, well they didn't need to know. What were they going to do? They weren't going to go to the park in the 7th inning. Your stuff is great, but please stick to baseball traditions.